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San Diego, CA, USA to Grand Canyon, AZ, USA from $88: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States
to
Grand Canyon, United States

How to Get from San Diego to Grand Canyon: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$88 by busBest price
596 kmDistance
6h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Grand Canyon with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h 
Estimated price
$287-729
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
16h  41m
Estimated price
$88-252
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 596 km
Duration: 6h

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
9h  54m
Estimated price
$187-740
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  55m
Estimated price
$326-490
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
8h  19m
Estimated price
$536-2870
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
17h  32m
Estimated price
$2871-2872
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
18h  13m
Estimated price
$2873-2874
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
19h  26m
Estimated price
$2875-2876
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
20h  32m
Estimated price
$2877-2878
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  55m
Estimated price
$2879-7290
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to Grand Canyon

Your journey from the coastal vibe of San Diego to the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon offers a striking contrast between sun-soaked beaches and breathtaking geological formations.

Best Neighbourhoods in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon's neighborhoods provide diverse experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Grand Canyon Village
• Closest access to the Canyon's South Rim.
• Multiple dining and shopping options nearby.
Tusayan
• Located just outside the park's entrance.
• Offers easy access to guided tours.
Williams
• Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon.
• Historic Route 66 charm with local shops.

Best Times To Visit Grand Canyon's Attractions

Timing your visit to Grand Canyon attractions can elevate your experience.

South Rim
Early morning during sunrise offers breathtaking views with fewer crowds.
North Rim
Visit late spring or early fall for mild weather and tranquility.
Havasu Falls
Plan your hike in late spring for vibrant water flow and fewer visitors.

Grand Canyon Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

The Grand Canyon experiences a varied climate with hot summers and cold winters, making early spring and late fall ideal for exploration. Weather conditions can significantly impact your travel experience, from clearer skies and comfortable temperatures for hiking to snow-covered vistas that transform the landscape.

Dining Recommendation

At the Grand Canyon, indulge in a hearty serving of bison chili paired with cornbread at the historic El Tovar Dining Room, where rustic charm meets regional flavors. This experience highlights a bold departure from San Diego's seafood-centric cuisine, immersing you in local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere overlooking the canyon's awe-inspiring views.

San Diego - Grand Canyon operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Grand Canyon, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Airport (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$2879-7298

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Flagstaff Airport (FLG)

Average Duration
3h 42m
Estimated price
$7299-880
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Airport (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$729660-881

Plane from Tijuana Airport (TIJ) to Phoenix Airport (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 19m
Estimated price
$2879-883
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$7297-7293

Train from Oceanside to San Bernardino

Average Duration
2h 38m
Estimated price
$72966-2523
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Riverside

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$72960-3262

Bus from Riverside to Phoenix Airport/44th Street Station

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
$888-3263

Bus from Phoenix Airport/44th Street Station to Flagstaff Train Station

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$72964-3264
Contact phone
+1-480-710-3441
Website
airportshuttleofphoenix.com

Bus from Sky Harbor International Airport to Grand Canyon Village

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$8885-0
Contact phone
+1 (800) 888-2749
Website
arizonashuttle.com

Bus from Flagstaff Amtrak to Maswik Lodge

Average Duration
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 702-718-5361
Website
nationalparkexpress.com

Bus from Treasure Island Hotel and Casino to Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$729619-0
Contact phone
602-698-7800
Website
luxcoachamerica.com

Bus from San Bernardino Transit Center to 3200 S Las Vegas Blvd

Average Duration
4h 51m
Estimated price
$3262-0

San Diego to Grand Canyon: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Grand Canyon offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from coastal San Diego to the majestic Grand Canyon, spanning 556 miles of diverse landscapes and breathtaking views along the way. ⏰ Allow yourself around 8 hours and 55 minutes of driving time to reach the Grand Canyon from San Diego, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore charming towns and scenic spots en route. 💰 Depending on factors like gas prices and vehicle efficiency, budget between $100 to $150 for the round trip journey by car from San Diego to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Average price
$100 - $150
🛫 Flying from San Diego to the Grand Canyon involves taking a connecting flight as there is no direct option available. The fastest itinerary typically includes one layover and takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. 🌄
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Flagstaff Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 21m and has one stopover
🚌 Traveling from San Diego to the Grand Canyon by bus will take approximately 16 hours and 41 minutes. The bus ticket prices for this journey can range from $88 to $252. 🛣️ Route 1 involves a 14-hour and 5-minute journey covering a distance of 488 miles with a transfer. The first step includes a 3-hour and 20-minute bus ride to Bakersfield, followed by a second 5-hour and 30-minute bus ride to the Grand Canyon National Park. 🛤️ Route 2 is slightly longer, taking 17 hours and 3 minutes to cover 489 miles with a transfer. The first leg is a 2-hour and 25-minute bus ride to Los Angeles, followed by a second 5-hour and 30-minute bus journey to reach the Grand Canyon.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Grand Canyon.

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The cheapest way to get from San Diego to Grand Canyon is by driving. The approximate cost for gas and tolls is around $100-$150. The drive takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes, depending on traffic and the route taken.
The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Grand Canyon is to take a combination of a flight and a bus. You can fly from San Diego to Phoenix, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and then take a bus from Phoenix to Grand Canyon, which takes approximately 4 hours. The total travel time is around 7 hours and 8 minutes.
The distance from San Diego to Grand Canyon is approximately 596 km. If you prefer to travel by road, the driving distance is approximately 894 km. This journey would take approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions and speed.
To travel from San Diego to the Grand Canyon without a car, you can take an Amtrak train from San Diego to Flagstaff which takes around 9 hours. From Flagstaff, you can then take a Greyhound bus to Williams which is the closest town to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The bus ride from Flagstaff to Williams takes about an hour. Once in Williams, you can take a shuttle service to the Grand Canyon, which is about an hour away. The total travel time from San Diego to the Grand Canyon without a car is approximately 17 hours and 40 minutes.
The travel time from San Diego to Grand Canyon is approximately 7 hours and 8 minutes, including transfers. The most convenient way to make the journey is by car, with an estimated travel time of around 8 hours and 55 minutes.
There are several options for accommodation near Grand Canyon. Some popular hotels in the area include Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge, and El Tovar Hotel, all located within the national park. Prices for these hotels start at $77 per night.
Yes, you can drive from San Diego to Grand Canyon. The driving distance is approximately 895 kilometers, and it takes about 8 hours and 55 minutes to complete the journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus from San Diego to Grand Canyon. However, you can take a bus from San Diego to Grand Canyon with transfers at Los Angeles Downtown, Tempe, and Flagstaff. The journey takes approximately 18 hours and 15 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Diego to Grand Canyon you will need to go to the San Diego station. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA, and this is where they typically depart from. You can check the Flixbus website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on schedules and ticket availability.
The bus from San Diego to Grand Canyon arrives at the Grand Canyon National Park Amtrak Bus Stop station. This is a convenient location for visitors to begin exploring the Grand Canyon. The bus service is operated by Amtrak, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey for travelers.
To get from San Diego Airport to Grand Canyon, you have a few options. The most convenient way is to rent a car from the airport and drive to Grand Canyon, which takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle to the San Diego Amtrak station, and then take a train to Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Grand Canyon. The last option is flying from San Diego Airport to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, and then taking ground transportation to the Grand Canyon.
Southwest Airlines and American Airlines both offer flights from San Diego to Flagstaff. The flight time is typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The fastest way to get from San Diego to Grand Canyon by plane is to fly from San Diego Airport to Flagstaff Airport with a stopover. The quickest flight takes approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes. Both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines offer flights on this route.
The flight from San Diego to Grand Canyon typically takes around 3 hours and 22 minutes, with one stopover. However, it's important to note that there are no direct flights from San Diego Airport to Flagstaff Airport, which is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Diego to Grand Canyon can range from $92 to $271, depending on the bus company, time of travel, and availability.
The cost of driving from San Diego to Grand Canyon can range from $100 to $150.